Nairobi paralysed for second day as transport strike keeps city deserted

Añadido: 2026-05-22

[00:00:00]And for the second consecutive day, Nairobi city remained largely deserted following a strike by public service vehicle operators. Most business premises stayed closed as traders stayed away to avoid looting. Public and private schools also remained without students while learning in institutions of higher education was disrupted. Willy Lusige with the details.

[00:00:25]Empty roads, deserted walkways, closed shops, and shattered service by institutions such as banks define Nairobi city for the second consecutive day following a strike by public service vehicle operators protesting the rising cost of fuel.

[00:00:39]Buyers who managed to get into the city were met with closed shops despite paying higher transport fares to make the journey.

[00:00:53]Most affected were traders who opened their businesses in the city and major food markets including Wakulima Market who recorded low sales as many Nairobi residents stayed at home.

[00:01:12]Because there are no customers at all at all.

[00:01:26]Many traders said they had incurred high cost of transporting goods into the city for 2 days only to record zero sales with some food items beginning to spoil.

[00:01:45]The country bus long-distance terminal remained deserted with no passengers and only a few idle vehicles as travelers postponed journeys.

[00:01:58]So it has really hit us hard.

[00:02:04]>> Education also came to a standstill unlike a normal Tuesday morning when thousands of students report to school.

[00:02:10]Many institutions remain closed or had very few learners disrupting learning.

[00:02:15]Some schools sent home the few students who had reported due to low turnout.

[00:02:20]Some institutions of higher learning were forced to suspend classes over safety concerns while other schools postponed examinations scheduled for this week.

[00:02:29]Although the strike has been temporarily suspended, traders say it will take time for business activities to return to normal. Willy Lusige, Citizen TV.